'Castle' Season 8 Spoilers & News: Series' Renewal Brings End For Capt. Gates; Cast Penny Johnson Jerald Shocked With Exit?

When "Castle" season 8 comes to the small screen, fans will say goodbye to a familiar face, according to the latest spoilers and news.

Screenrant reported that Penny Johnson Jerald won't be reprising her role as Capt. Victoria "Iron" Gates. She joined the series as a regular back in "Castle" season 4.

"Captain Gates was still alive at the close of season seven,so there's no telling how or why she will ultimately leave the NYPD's 12th Precinct," it said.

But it turned out that the news of her departure from "Castle" season 8 came as a shock to Penny Johnson Jerald who learned of the announcement at the same time with fans around the world.

In a Twitter post, the actress wrote, "To my Castle fans around the world, as of late yesterday I am surprised and saddened to learn that I will no longer be a part of the Castle family. Thank you all for your support and love. Hugs from PJJ."

One fan commented, "What!!! This made me teary I was getting ready to fall asleep and saw this tweet."

Another said, "What?!?!?! Omg, that's so sad! Castle won't be the same without you!"

"I wish you well for the future. I know that God has plans for you and you put a smile on our faces. We'll miss you, Penny!" a female follower added.

According to "Castle" season 8 news and spoilers from TVLine, Capt. Gates' departure "is one of several creative tweaks" that the series will make for the new season.

"Possibly, maybe, perhaps laying the groundwork for Gates' departure: In the Season 7 finale, it was revealed that Beckett had "aced" her captain's exam - while she also fielded an overture to run for the New York State Senate," the article noted.

Watch out for more "Castle" season 8 news and spoilers which will be published when they come along.